Reading boss has 'decision to make' over workload ahead of Leeds United clash amid injury woes

Reading boss Mark Bowen says he has a decision to make over how hard he will work his injury-hit squad ahead of this weekend's trip to Elland Road.

The Royals visit LS11 in Championship action following a stunning 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough as they secured their first win in eight league outings.

Leeds themselves returned to winning ways against Bristol City on home soil as they opened up a three point gap over third-place Fulham in the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Bowen's outfit are preparing for a pile up of fixtures due to FA Cup involvement in the coming days, with the visitors wary of the workload they will face during their second trip to Yorkshire in a week with a number of injuries in the camp.

The Royals enjoyed just 33 per cent possession during the Whites late 1-0 victory at the Madejski Stadium in November - compared to their season average of 48 per cent - while they were forced into 22 tackles, seven more than usual.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank last week revealed his belief that the intensity in which United play at is the highest in the division, which perhaps explains why no side is yet to win following victory over Marcelo Bielsa's team in eight attempts this campaign.

Bowen, though, conceded that he may be forced into managing his players this week with the matches coming thick and fast.

"I have to make a decision - how much to work and how much rest do I give the players," he admitted.

"We've got five games in 14 days after that game [against Leeds] so I have to mix up the work in training and giving them respite.

"It's hard for my staff and players. You end up saying the same things at times so you have to keep that freshness."

Asked about the fitness of Jordan Obita who took a knock against the Owls, he added: "He had a kick on his ankle so we're waiting on him. He will have a scan.

"We've got seven or eight players out injured but we'll get on with it and the players who have come in have proved they can do a great job."